Re: Best AbunadÂ´h Batch

Some weeks ago I bought a batch 8 , the store where I bought it at got some bottles from Italy (the bottle had an Italian customs tag or something like that on it, so I'm just guessing). I was kind of dissapointed. Up until now I had two bottles from the batch 14 which were both absolutely great in every way and never needed one drop of water. The 8 in comparison is too strong for me. The nose is too simple , and i have to dillute it quite a bit to halfway enjoy it. While the 14s were creamy and rich (they reminded me in nose and taste of christmas baking with lots of spices, dark chocolate and marzipan) this one was just a CS "straight in the face" sherried whisky. Not bad , but by far not as good as I remember the others. The price though was great , because it was on sale, at least something to smile about!

Re: Best AbunadÂ´h Batch

Collector57 wrote:My unopened one is Batch 15. Anyone know what that batch is like?

It has a slight sulphur taint to it that spoils it a little. I found the best way to drink it was to have several drams at the one sitting. Somehow the sulphur became less noticeable and the (considerable) merits of the whisky began to shine through. I also thought that oxidisation was helping as the bottle appeared to improve after it had been opened for a while.

Sadly I think it is not as good as 20, but I had several enjoyable evenings with it nonetheless.

Re: Best AbunadÂ´h Batch

by Deactivated Member » Wed Dec 26, 2007 3:56 pm

So far I have only ever tasted one of these and I have no idea which batch it was.It was in another whisky bar in Munich and I have to say I was bitterly disappointed.A'Bunadh has a reputation for richness, smoothness and sherry finish. This particular one was weak and watery.

I now have a batch 20 in The Arc but it is as yet unopened.Maybe I will try this one as so many of you are praising this batch.MT

Re: Best AbunadÂ´h Batch

I believe that you will find that LSD (east coast) has had the 20. I just think that my major outlets here in the Southland got a righteous stock of the 18 as they have been selling it for more than half a year at the $50 mark instead of the usual $60.

What it means is I will have to keep an eye out at some other stores to find these.

Re: Best AbunadÂ´h Batch

I popped into my local Waitrose looking for a bottle of Batch 20, however all of their stock is currently Batch 17 which they are selling for £25. I picked up a bottle to give it a try.Out of curiosity,with a whisky of this strength, 60.2%, do you tend to drink it neat or does it need a drop of water ?

Re: Best AbunadÂ´h Batch

Hi Mike and welcome to the forums. I've been drinking batch 20 this week with water - sometimes a little, sometimes more. It's so rich it can take water and still wrap you up warm in its sweet sherried goodness. Looks like that's not the general fashion but each to their own tho, there's no right or wrong

Re: Best AbunadÂ´h Batch

Thanks for the replies. I have had my first taste of this tonight (without water) and it is a lot smoother than I anticipated considering its strength.It has an interesting rich flavour that I cannot quite put my finger on, a combination of dark chocolate, caramel and sherry/brandy.This is very different to my usual Islay malts, although I am also partial to sherried malts like Balvenie Doublewood and Glenmorangie Lasanta.The Aberlour has been a pleasant suprise and I may pick up another, the batch 20 sounds interesting.

Re: Best AbunadÂ´h Batch

I stand corrected, after another dram of both, 21 is definitely fruitier but imho lacks the deep round old wine bit of the 20.I still think the 21 is smoother but that's probably the fruity flavours talking A'bunadh is always a treat anyway...